Adjustable metal door frame construction

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a novel adjustable metal door frame construction incorporating opposed telescoping frame and trim units which are mounted and retained in a door opening by retainer clips which are secured in predetermined positions. Each of the frame and trim units is independently snapped onto a set of clips and is maintained thereby against removal. The door may be pre-hung in the frame unit, if desired. The telescoping relationship of the frame and trim units permits use of the construction with a predetermined range of wall widths.

I United States Patent 1191 1111 Kiselewski Jan. 29, 1974 [54]ADJUSTABLE METAL DOOR FRAME 1,321,610 11/1919 Emrich 52 212 CONSTRUCTION3,363,392 1/1968 Boughner 1 52/217 2,742,! 17 4/1956 Tolman 4 1 1 52/213Inventor: Donald Klselewski, Palm Beach 1,878,807 9/1932 Baum 52/213Gardens, Fla. 1,867,230 7/1932 Osinga 52/211 Assignee: The Binkley p y,Warrenton, FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS M 1,509,914 /1969 Germany49/505 22 Filed; 22 1971 1,805,629 9/1969 Germany 52/217 [21] Appl'zollzs Primary Examiner1-1enry C. Sutherland Assistant ExaminerLeslie A.Braun [52] US. Cl 52/212, 49/505, 52/214, Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Rogers, Ezell & Eilers 52/217 [51] lnt. C1 E06b 1/20 [58] FieldofSearch..... 51/211, 213, 214, 215, 217; [57] ABSTRACT 49/505 There isdisclosed a novel adjustable metal door frame construction incorporatingopposed telescoping frame [56] References Cited and trim units which aremounted and retained in a UNITED STATES PATENTS door opening by retainerclips which are secured in 3,648,424 3/1972 Winyard 52 213pre.de.ter.mined positions Each of the frame i mm 3 654 731 4/1972Jellinek 52/213 x mdependemly snapped onto a set of and 31352107411/1967 Schwartzberg v 52/211 is maintained thereby against removal- Thedoor may 1,068,656 7/1913 P16111165 52 217 be P g in the frame unit, ifdesired- The telescop- 2,582,765 1/1952 Brew 52/212 ing relationship ofthe frame and trim units permits 3,1 19,1 15 1/1964 Schlegel 49/505 useof the construction with a predetermined range of 1,048,988 12/1912Mayo, Sr. 49/505 w ll width 3,654,734 4/1972 Lehman 52/212 3,860,74411/1958 Mascari 52/212 7 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures l I 28 w 36ADJUSTABLE METAL DOOR FRAME CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1.Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to thebuilding industry and more particularly to a novel adjustable metalframe construction for door and other openings in a wall or the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art Numerous constructions have beendeveloped and used over the past years and into the present for hangingdoors and finishing the openings, guiding windows and finishing theopenings, etc. However, there has long existed a need, particularly inlow-cost housing, for frame constructions of the concerned type whichaccomplishes a neat, satisfactory job, yet is inexpensive in respect tomaterials, and which can be applied in the field with minimum laborcosts, the latter today being a major factor in building construction.The present construction is an answer to the long-existing need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In brief, the present novel adjustable metaldoor frame construction comprises opposed telescoping frame and trimunits, each of which includes spaced jamb members connected at'the topbya head member. The frame unit supports a door for the usual pivotalmovement. Two sets of retainer clips are mounted on each side and at thetop of the opening receiving and supporting the door frame construction,there being an independent set for each frame jamb, each trim jamb, theframe head and the trim head. The cooperative relationship of the crosssections of the clips with the jambs and heads is such that the jambsand heads may be snapped onto the clips in mounting the former and arethereby firmly maintained in operative positions. The telescopingrelationship of the frame and trim units permits installation of thepresent construction in openings of walls of a predetermined thicknessrange.

Objects of the present invention are to provide a novel adjustable metalframe construction which can be installed in door, window, and the likeopenings in walls of a predetermined range of thicknesses; whichcompletely conceals the supporting fasteners; which incorporates exposedportions of the construction that are prefinished, thereby eliminatingjob finishing or touching up; which mechanically easily snaps intosecured position in field installation, thereby reducing overallin-place cost in field labor; which permits job assembly of door framecomponents or prehanging of door in the frame and snapping into theopening provided at the job; which is of sturdy long-lastingconstruction; which is economical in materials required and in laborneeded for assembly and installation, thereby being particularly adaptedfor low-cost housing; which can be readily and economically installed inthe field with minimum instruction; which is precision factory built;and which otherwise fulfills the objects and advantages therefor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a front elevational view ofan adjustable metal door frame construction incorporating the principlesof the present invention, parts being broken away for illustration ofdetail;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially theline 2-2 of FIG. 1, assuming a wall thickness substantially maximum forthe disclosed adjustable construction; and,

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially theline 3-3 of FIG. 1, assuming a wall thickness substantially minimum forthe disclosed adjustable Referring to the drawings more particularly byreference numerals, 10 indicates generally an adjustable metal doorframe construction incorporating the teach- 1 ings of the presentinvention. The adjustable metal door frame construction 10 preferably isof resilient steel and includes a frame unit 12, a trim unit 14, framejamb and head retainer clips 16 and 18, and trim jamb and head retainerclips 20.

The frame unit 12 comprises two opposed frame jambs 22 and a connectinginterfitting frame head 24, which are of the same cross section, apreferred operative cross section being clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.Each frame jamb 22 and the frame head 24 includes a clip flange 26 alongone side and aclip flange 28 along the other side. The upper ends of theframe jambs 22 and the ends of the frame head 24 are cut to providemiters and tabs as required for firm right angular interfitting. In FIG.3 is shown an offset tab 27 at the end of one frame jamb 22 and a tab 29at the end of the frame head 24.

The trim unit 14 comprises two opposed trim jambs 30 and a connectingtrim head 32, which are of the same cross section, a preferred operativecross section being clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each trim jamb 30and the trim head 32 includes a clip flange 34 along one side and a clipflange 36 along the other side. The upper ends of the trim jambs 30 andthe ends of the trim head 32 are cut to provide miters and tabs asrequired for firm right angular interfitting. In FIG. 3 is shown a rightangle tab 38 at the end of the trim jamb 30.

Each frame jamb 22, frame head 24, trim jamb 30, and trim head 32,preferably is formed and cut from one piece of metal. A suitable gagemetal is employed fitted-to the particular adaptation of the invention,as 20 gage for the frame and trim units 12 and 14 and the retainer clip16, and 26 gage for the clips 18 and 20 in the present door frameconstruction 10. The frame unit 12 may be factory or job assembled. Twoopposed frame jambs 22 and a frame head 24 are interfitted. A door 42 ismounted on hinges 44, which may be countersunk in the frame jamb 22 orflat as shown and are mounted thereto by bolt assemblies 46. Screws 48secure the door 42. Similarly the trim unit 14 is assembled.

The retainer clips l6, l8 and 20 are of the cross section illustratedand preferably about one and a half inches in depth. The relationship ofthe clips l6, l8 and 20 is clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The clips 16,18 and 20 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, depending in themain upon size and weight of the construction 10.

FIG. 2 is a cross section on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, assuming anoverall wall thickness between the parallel legs of the clips 16 and 20which requires substantially the maximum extension of the adjustablemetal door frame construction 10 for mounting in the rough doorwayopening. FIG. 3 is a cross section on the line 33 of FIG. 1, assuming anarrower wall thickness which requires telescoping of the frame unit 12and trim unit 14 from their positions of FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the clipflange 28 is almost adjacent the clip flange 36, whereas in FIG. 3 theyare spaced well apart. The relationship of the several retainer clipsl6, l8 and 20, which mount the frame unit 12 and trim unit 14, changes,of course, depending upon the wall thickness, as is obvious from FIGS. 2and 3. Thus, the novel construction possesses adjustability permittingmounting in rough openings of overall wall thicknesses betweenpredetermined maximum and minimum limits.

In installing the present novel adjustable metal door frame construction10, it will be understood that the clips l6, l8 and are installed in therough opening employing the usual techniques of carpentry, i.e., nailinginto place, as with nails 40 through provided holes, while plumbing andshimming, as required. The bottom of the frame unit 12, with the door 42mounted, is placed in the bottom of the provided opening and pivoted orrotated upwardly about the lower edge until the clip flanges 28 of theframe jambs 22 and then of the frame head 24 snap over and under thefree ends of the retainer clips 18 and the clip flanges 26 of the framejambs 22 and then of the frame head 24 snap over and engage the upturnedouter ends of the clips 16. Similarly, the bottom of the trim unit 14 isplaced in the bottom of the opening from the other side and pivoted intotelescoping relation with the frame unit 12 with the clip flanges 34 and36 of the trim jambs 30 and trim head 32 snapped behind the upturnedends of the clips 20, all as illustrated. The resilience of the clips16, 18 and 20 and of the jambs and heads permits the aforesaid assembly.

It is manifest there has been provided a novel adjustable metal doorframe construction which fulfills the objects and advantages soughttherefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration andexample. It is also to be understood that changes in form of theelements, rearrangement of parts and substitution of equivalentelements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, arecomtemplated as within the scope of the present invention which islimited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

l. A metal frame construction for mounting in the rough opening of awall comprising clip means, said clip means including a first clipsection having a first portion extending against an outer surface of thewall adjacent the opening and a second portion extending part way acrossthe end of the wall at the opening, first snap engaging means on saidfirst portion of said first clip section and second snap engaging meanson said second portion of said first clip section, a second clip sectionhaving a first portion extending against the other outer surface of thewall and a second portion extending part way across the end of the walland telescopingly under the second portion of the first clip section, athird snap engaging means on the first portion of the second clipsection, and a third clip section having a first portion extendingbetween the second portions of the first and second sections, the thirdclip section further having a second portion folded back and extendingin the same direction as its first portion outside the first clipsection, fourth snap engaging means on said second portion of said thirdclip section, said metal frame construction further comprising a trimunit having a first portion covering the edge of one of the outsidesurfaces of the wall adjacent the opening and a second portion extendingtherefrom part way across the end of the wall, snap engaging meansassociated with the first and second portions of the trim unit forsnappingly engaging said first and second snap engaging means of thefirst clip section, and a frame unit having a first portion covering theedge of the other outside surface of the wall adjacent the opening and asecond portion extending therefrom part way across the end of the walltoward the trim unit, snap engaging means associated with the first andsecond portions of the frame unit for snappingly engaging said thirdsnap engaging means of said second clip section and said fourth snapengaging means of said third clip section, the frame and trim unitsbeing formed of metal.

2. The metal frame construction of claim 1 wherein the snap engagingmeans of the frame and trim unit are formed at their edges, the firstsnap engaging means is located at the edge of said first portion of saidfirst clip section, the second snap engaging means is located at theedge of said second portion of said first clip section, the third snapengaging means is located at the edge of said first portion of said clipsection, and the fourth snap engaging means is located at the edge ofsaid second portion of said third clip section.

3. The metal frame construction of claim 2 wherein the snap engagingmeans of the clip means and frame and trim units are flanges that matein snapping engagement.

4. The metal frame construction of claim 1 wherein the snap engagingmeans of the clip means and frame and trim units are flanges that matein snapping engagement.

5. The metal frame construction of claim 1 including a plurality ofspaced clip means mounted around the wall opening.

6. The metal frame construction of claim 1 wherein the location of thethird clip section remains fixed relative to the second clip sectionregardless of wall thickness.

7. The metal frame construction of claim 1 wherein a portion of theframe unit at the end of the wall is formed in a doorstop.

1. A metal frame construction for mounting in the rough opening of awall comprising clip means, said clip means including a first clipsection having a first portion extending against an outer surface of thewall adjacent the opening and a second portion extending part way acrossthe end of the wall at the opening, first snap engaging means on saidfirst portion of said first clip section and second snap engaging meanson said second portion of said first clip section, a second clip sectionhaving a first portion extending against the other outer surface of thewall and a second portion extending part way across the end of the walland telescopingly under the second portion of the first clip section, athird snap engaging means on the first portion of the second clipsection, and a third clip section having a first portion extendingbetween the second portions of the first and second sections, the thirdclip section further having a second portion folded back and extendingin the same direction as its first portion outside the first clipsection, fourth snap engaging means on said second portion of said thirdclip section, said metal frame construction further comprising a trimunit having a first portion covering the edge of one of the outsidesurfaces of the wall adjacent the opening and a second portion extendingtherefrom part way across the end of the wall, snap engaging meansassociated with the first and second portions of the trim unit forsnappingly engaging said first and second snap engaging means of thefirst clip section, and a frame unit having a first portion covering theedge of the Other outside surface of the wall adjacent the opening and asecond portion extending therefrom part way across the end of the walltoward the trim unit, snap engaging means associated with the first andsecond portions of the frame unit for snappingly engaging said thirdsnap engaging means of said second clip section and said fourth snapengaging means of said third clip section, the frame and trim unitsbeing formed of metal.
 2. The metal frame construction of claim 1wherein the snap engaging means of the frame and trim unit are formed attheir edges, the first snap engaging means is located at the edge ofsaid first portion of said first clip section, the second snap engagingmeans is located at the edge of said second portion of said first clipsection, the third snap engaging means is located at the edge of saidfirst portion of said clip section, and the fourth snap engaging meansis located at the edge of said second portion of said third clipsection.
 3. The metal frame construction of claim 2 wherein the snapengaging means of the clip means and frame and trim units are flangesthat mate in snapping engagement.
 4. The metal frame construction ofclaim 1 wherein the snap engaging means of the clip means and frame andtrim units are flanges that mate in snapping engagement.
 5. The metalframe construction of claim 1 including a plurality of spaced clip meansmounted around the wall opening.
 6. The metal frame construction ofclaim 1 wherein the location of the third clip section remains fixedrelative to the second clip section regardless of wall thickness.
 7. Themetal frame construction of claim 1 wherein a portion of the frame unitat the end of the wall is formed in a doorstop.